The reference site for Ziprasidone

Ziprasidone (marketed as Geodon among others) is a medication of the atypical antipsychotic type.

WHAT IS Ziprasidone?

Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic medication and works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain.

This medication is used to manage the symptoms of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia that may include hearing voices, seeing things or sensing things that are not there, mistaken beliefs, unusual suspiciousness, or becoming withdrawn from family and friends.

Additionally, this drug is also used to treat bipolar disorder and acute mania.

Ziprasidone is marketed under the brand names Geodon® and Zeldox®. The name Geodon® was chosen specifically with the phrase ‘down (don) to earth (geo)’ in mind, thus referring to the goals of the medication.

Brand Name(s): Geodon; ZeldoxCAS nº: 146939-27-7
(zih PRAISE a don)

Product Info

The sections below will provide you with more specific information and guidelines related to ziprasidone and its correct use. Please read them carefully.

FDA Information

Ziprasidone was the fifth atypical antipsychotic to gain FDA approval.Oral Geodon® received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for use in the treatment of schizophrenia in February 2001. It is also approved in more than 30 countries worldwide.

On the other hand, Geodon® for injection was the first atypical antipsychotic medicine approved in the United States, in 2002, for intramuscular (IM) use.

Ziprasidone is FDA-approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, and the intramuscular injection form of ziprasidone is approved for acute agitation in schizophrenic patients. It has also received approval for acute treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder.

This medication is an antipsychotic medication used to manage the symptoms of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia that may include hearing voices, seeing things or sensing things that are not there, mistaken beliefs, unusual suspiciousness, or becoming withdrawn from family and friends.

This drug is also used to treat bipolar disorder and acute mania. It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain.

Note:

Ziprasidone is associated with little or no weight gain, a feature that distinguishes it from other anti-psychotic drugs. Similarly, ziprasidone is unique among anti-psychotic drugs in that it does not increase cholesterol levels.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication has not been approved for any alternative uses other than those mentioned in the product information section.

Dosage and using this medicine

Ziprasidone comes as a capsule to be taken orally, or as an injection.

Take ziprasidone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Ziprasidone usually is taken twice a day. The usual starting dose is 20 mg twice daily, but the dose may be increased over time to achieve the desired effect.

Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.

Take ziprasidone with food at the same time each day, as this medication is not properly absorbed when taken on an empty stomach.

Do not crush, open, or break the capsules. Swallow them whole.

Ziprasidone injection should be administered by a healthcare provider.

Continue to take ziprasidone, even if your symptoms have improved as a continuous treatment may prevent the return of symptoms. Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

BEFORE TAKING ZIPRASIDONE:

Do not take ziprasidone if you have any of the following conditions or a history of these conditions: heart disease; an irregular heartbeat or a history of irregular heartbeats; a history of prolonged QT intervals; a family history of congenital long QT syndrome; or other heartbeat disturbances. These conditions may increase the risk of irregular heartbeats, heart attack, and death while taking ziprasidone.

Please inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or hyperglycemia, a history of dizziness or fainting, a history of epilepsy, seizures, or Alzheimer’s disease, or liver disease. You may not be able to take ziprasidone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Furthermore, tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: ketoconazole (Nizoral®) or itraconazole (Sporanox®); erythromycin (E-Mycin®, E.E.S.®, Ery-Tab®, Eryc®, others); carbamazepine (Tegretol®, Carbatrol®, Epitol®); medicines used to treat Parkinson’s Disease such as levodopa (Dopar®, Larodopa®, Sinemet®, Atamet®, others), bromocriptine (Parlodel®), ropinirole (Requip®), cabergoline (Dostinex®), pramipexole (Mirapex®), pergolide (Permax®), selegiline (Eldepryl®), and others; or medicine used to lower blood pressure. You may not be able to take ziprasidone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Ziprasidone may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ziprasidone. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar) has been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics including ziprasidone. Talk to your doctor if you experience any signs of hyperglycemia including excessive thirst, frequent urination, excessive hunger, or weakness.

Ziprasidone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether ziprasidone will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take ziprasidone without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Furthermore, it is not known whether ziprasidone passes into breast milk. Do not take ziprasidone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over the age of 65, you may be more likely to experience side effects from ziprasidone. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of the medication.

Use cautiously when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as this medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.

Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather and during exercise. Ziprasidone may increase the risk of heat stroke.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed.

It is strongly advised not to take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Symptoms of a potentially fatal side effect called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) could occur. Call your doctor immediately if you experience:

Additionally, iff you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking ziprasidone and seek emergency medical treatment or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or hives)
uncontrollable movements of the tongue, face, lips, arms, or legs
muscle spasms of the face or neck
severe restlessness or tremor
a rash
severe dizziness or fainting

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take ziprasidone and talk to your doctor if you experience:

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Always keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Store it at room temperature and away from moisture, light, and heat.

Remember to throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. If you have any questions, please talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of an emergency/overdose

In the case of an overdose, call your local poison control center on 1-800-222-1222. However, if the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, then please call the local emergency services immediately on 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

Product Images

PICTURES OF ZIPRASIDONE PRODUCTS

Below you will find images and specific information on the principal types of ziprasidone that exist, including their respective brand name(s), strength, inscription codes, manufacturers and/or distributors.

The information below includes general information and guidelines for patients taking this medication and should never be used to substitute professional medical advice that can be provided by a qualified physician or family doctor.